Forbidden fruits of Broadway

LOVERS of musical theatre are sure to
appreciate Gerard Alessandrini's Forbidden Broadway - the satirical revue that
celebrates and still pokes fun at a number of stellar stage productions.

The audience rollercoaster rides from one
musical to the next. One minute they're in Chicago before swiftly being taken
to the set of Wicked or perhaps Les Miserables, Mamma Mia or Cats.

Famous musical songs are parodied and
audiences can expect numbers like Defying Subtlety (a take of 'Defying Gravity'
from Wicked), End of the Play ('End of the Day' from Les Miserables) and Rant
(a reimagining of Rent's eponymous title song).

Director Anne Somes of Free Rain Theatre
Company said the while there are many similar revue-type shows around, it's the
humour and fast-pace that sets Forbidden Broadway apart from the pack.

"The show's longevity - it first debut
in 1982 - is a testament to how well written it is. It's out-there and it's
engaging. It's been embraced on stage just as much as the shows [within the
production] themselves," she said.

"You just get a snapshot of so many
different theatre pieces within this one show. Many of the pieces such as
Wicked or Mamma Mia haven't been released for a market of this size. It's
another chance for audiences to see a little snapshot they might not get to
otherwise."

With so many musicals of varying styles
jam-packed into one show, it is demanding on the cast and crew.

However, Somes said rather than being an
obstacle, it's a challenge worthy of being embraced.

She said their production team have been
busy tailoring individual costumes and sets that are true to each of the
musicals.

"The material is just really clever
and witty. It gives you a challenge to do something you've never done
before," she said.

"The show just whips along at a huge
pace; it's what gives it that 'wow-factor'. You go into so many different
styles of musical theatre and it's just fabulous. It's awesome for the cast and
the audience."

Free Rain Theatre Company presents
Forbidden Broadway at The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre from Friday, March
7 to Saturday, March 22. To purchase tickets visit www.theq.net.au.